The Federal Government is calling for feedback on proposed changes to biosecurity measures around water vessels’ ability to dump ballast and sediment as part of operations.

A draft chapter has been posted for public consultation which details new requirements for Australian and foreign vessels managing ballast water in Australian seas, including: what constitutes an approved method of ballast water management, exceptions to the approved method requirement, requirements for ballast water management plans and certificates, and record-keeping of ballast water operations and sediment disposal.

The new regulation has been created to share the management of biosecurity risks between government, the community and vessel operators, according to Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Paul Morris.

“The ballast water and sediment regulation sets out further detail of the requirements for meeting Australia’s international obligations,” Mr Morris said, “the release of the draft Biosecurity Bill 2013 regulations on ballast water and approved arrangements (last week) provides stakeholders with an opportunity for discussion and comment.”

More information as well as avenues for feedback submissions are available from the DAFF website.